Playing sports or regular exercise as part of your daily routine is a key component of healthy living. Not only does getting proper exercise help you physically, but it also has positive effects on mental health. Many people don’t get the necessary exercise, which may lead to many problems, including heart disease and obesity. Thankfully, technologies are available to help make online exercise an easy part of your daily life. This tech makes your virtual workout more effective, fun, and engaging. Read on to learn how you can exercise using various online tools.

Online tools to live a healthier lifestyle

In today’s modern world, people seem to have less free time than ever, and exercise is one thing that typically takes a back seat. Thankfully, new technology is changing how people exercise, making daily workouts more accessible than ever before. With VR sports training and workouts, you can get the physical activity you need anywhere and anytime. This technology provides you with a wide range of fantastic benefits.

  • Using virtual workouts allows you to get exercise based on your schedule. The flexibility allows you to work out anywhere you’re at, whether it’s on the road traveling, in your home gym, or even while on a break at work.
  • Since these workouts are virtual, they provide users with easy access via smartphone, tablet, or computer. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can start your virtual workout any time you’re able and ready.
  • VR workouts also offer a wide range of options, from low-impact to serious cardio. This allows you to work your way toward more rigorous exercise when you’re ready or to tweak the level of your workout based on your specific situation. For example, quick-fire virtual workouts are ideal for those with little time to exercise. These fast and hard workouts allow you to reap the benefits of exercising from a short session.
  • Many virtual workouts and VR sports training programs are incredibly affordable, and some are even free of charge. Whether you follow a coach on YouTube or download an app to your phone, these plans come at a wide range of price points to fit your budget.
  • After you regularly engage in virtual workouts, you’ll notice an improvement in your physical strength and self-confidence.
  • Even if the weather is bad, you can take advantage of virtual workouts indoors. If you prefer outdoor activities, like running, biking, or hiking, these virtual workouts are an excellent supplement on the days when you simply can’t get outside. 

Tracking your progress

When you participate in an online fitness program, it’s essential to track your progress as you go.

  • Use wearable technology like fitness watches to help you track your fitness journey.
  • Use wearable heart monitors or sleep monitors to track important health indicators like blood pressure, heart rate, weight loss and how much sleep you get each night.
  • Take advantage of monitoring your sports performance by using the information from your devices to set a goal. As you improve, you’ll feel motivated to continue doing more.
  • Make sure you take advantage of nutritional tools online that log your food intake, record calories in v. calories out, and analyze your nutritional macros to help you stay on track.

Online exercise

Taking part in virtual workouts provides you with new, creative options for fitness at home. To help guide you through these workouts and make the most of these virtual fitness resources, explainer videos can be an invaluable tool. These short, informative videos clearly illustrate the how-to’s of different workouts, how to use various features of fitness apps, and how to set up your at-home gym. They distill complex information into digestible, easy-to-follow visuals, making it easier than ever to participate in and enjoy the various online exercise options available. Utilizing explainer videos can be a game-changer, especially for beginners, by offering clear instruction and reducing any intimidation factor associated with starting a new workout regimen. 

Here are a few workouts to try, how to use virtual training apps, and more.

  • There are plenty of fun online fitness classes and workouts available. Yoga, Pilates, cycling, dance, cardio, and strength training are the most popular, but it may take a few practice sessions to determine which option is the right option for you.
  • On-demand training videos allow you to access various classes whenever you want to — and from anywhere. These on-demand videos let you work out on your schedule. Pre-recorded or on-demand classes provide convenience, while live-streamed classes provide a sense of teamwork and belonging as you work with an instructor and other exercisers.
  • Look for free programs you can find online. Many YouTube instructors offer a large library of training classes free of charge. If you sign up for a paid membership, make sure you use it as often as possible — otherwise, you won’t get the most out of your money. Look for an app or online program that offers you a selection of workout options under one account rather than paying for them separately.
  • Virtual training apps are accessible from any smartphone or tablet, giving you a fun workout experience on the go or from any location. They also allow you to tweak your settings and preferences as needed. Training videos aren’t as versatile and are just videos you can watch via an online platform, either on your phone or computer.
    • Some of the best workout apps to download include Apple Fitness Plus, Sweat, Nike Training Club, and EvolveYou, but many more are available.
  • Find an open space in your home to set up a home gym or virtual reality room. This could be the garage, a spare bedroom, or the basement. Depending on which workouts you plan to do, you’ll also need some basic equipment like weights, an elliptical machine, a treadmill or stationary bike, and yoga gear.

Virtual reality fitness

VR or virtual reality exercise involves using immersive technology to create an ever-changing, realistic environment while you work out. This new technology is increasing in popularity and makes working out more fun and exciting.

  • To get started with this type of exercise, you’ll need a virtual reality headset. This equipment is vital to ensuring that you get an authentic VR sports training or workout experience.
  • Look for programs tailored to your fitness goals, such as free weight workouts, walking or running, or cardio.
  • Motion sickness is common in people who first use VR. Start by participating in small, short workouts and gradually work your way up from five minutes at a time to 10, 15, and 20 minutes as you get used to using the gear.
  • Many professional athletes use VR sports training because it’s easy to tailor it to a specific sport or workout goal. You can also use this type of workout to customize your training at the gym or at home.
  • Once you get used to virtual workouts, you’ll notice an improvement in your overall fitness level and reaction times. This applies to a wide range of sports, from tennis to track and more.
  • Look for training games or platforms designed for athletes by athletes. It’s the best way to ensure you get the most out of every workout.

Video games and sports

You can improve your athletic skills by playing sports-based video games.

  • When you play sports-related games online, you’ll learn about the sport, learn new techniques, and hone your skills as you improve.
  • Certain interactive video games can also improve hand-eye coordination, body coordination, and responsive skills, giving you the edge over the competition.

Esports 101

Esports involve video gamers playing games as a traditional sport while spectators look on. The popularity of Esports has dramatically increased, although many feel that considering playing video games a real sport is disingenuous.

  • Amateur Esports players typically play at home or compete virtually. In contrast, professional players tend to enter tournaments with real-life spectators looking on, and they may win a prize or money if they win.
  • Most Esports players train by watching others play the game, practicing at home, and even hiring a coach to help them learn the ins and outs of a specific game.
  • If you want to start playing Esports, you’ll need a quality high-speed internet connection, a PC with plenty of memory, a headset, a gaming keyboard and mouse, and a quality gaming chair.
  • There are plenty of tournaments that take place all year round, with the Le Mans Virtual Series being the most anticipated event of the year. Look for tournaments near you or find out where you can get tickets to participate or attend.
  • The popularity of Esports fans and communities has increased significantly over the last few years. An increase in marketing is one reason why the game has become more popular with fans and participants. The global market reached a size of $1.28 billion in 2021, a 32% increase over the previous year.
  • Going to an esports venue or arena is an excellent way to train in esports if you do not have gaming equipment. This option is also a great way to socialize while fellow esports players and eliminates the stigma that gamers are lonesome individuals that shuns interaction with other people.

Whether you’re just starting out playing sports, want to improve your workouts, or need to incorporate exercise into your life, virtual workout technology and online classes make it easy. Remember these tips to help you find an online workout that’s right for you. 

Smart fitness equipment

Smart fitness equipment is similar to traditional exercise equipment, but it includes technological features like digital screens that track your progress, connections to virtual workouts, and more.

  • Utilizing smart fitness equipment is better than traditional equipment because it logs your activity, tracks your progress, and offers you more access to a variety of workouts that incorporate the equipment you’re using.
  • While this technology is certainly helpful, it also requires constant access to the Internet, and it can cost more than standard equipment.
  • If you use this type of equipment, make sure you’re in an area with a solid Wi-Fi connection and optimize your speed for the best results.

Do I need a home gym?

If you’re using online tools for exercise, you don’t need a home gym. In fact, online workouts are a great way to get in shape if you’re in a small space like an apartment.

That said, if you are planning to purchase more than one piece of exercise equipment or are planning to do a full-bodied workout like kickboxing or dance, it might be time to think about a home gym.

First, think about how much space you have available. Your home gym can go in the garage or in a spare room, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a large basement or bedroom.

The next important thing to think about is flooring. Using the wrong type of flooring can lead to injury or damage to your home. Most types of exercise are most safely done on flat linoleum or wood flooring, but be sure to do your research ahead of time. Your main concern should be avoiding a fall, for example wearing socks on carpet for a cardio workout. You should also avoid damaging your joints, for example wearing dennis shoes on carpet can cause excessive torque on your knees if you’re pivoting or spinning. And lastly, think of how much cushion you’ll need for your body and equipment. For example, weight lifting on a concrete garage floor may damage weight plates as you set them down.

It’s certainly an option to hire a contractor to replace your flooring. You can also DIY the project yourself, but remember that this will take solid research before you dive in since flooring is so precise. If you’re using a concrete floor for your workout, look at DIY or professional gym floor matting as an alternative to installing a floor.

And lastly, be sure you have enough space for your equpiment and body. Most contained workouts like stationary biking and yoga will require minimal space. However, if your equipment is large like a weight rack or if you’ll be taking up a lot of space as you move like with dancing, it might not be as straightforward.

For more space, you can consult with a contractor about knocking down a wall in a shared space or expanding an existing room. While this type of project is no small investment, consider how long you’ll live there and the positive impact on your health that a home gym will have to make your decision.